Atom probe study of MX to Z-phase transformation in Z-phase strengthened 12%Cr steels

Journal article, 2017

In creep resistant Z-phase strengthened 12% Cr steels, MX to Z-phase transformation plays an important role in achieving a fine distribution of Z-phase precipitates for creep strengthening. Atom probe tomography was employed to investigate the phase transformation in a Nb-based Z-phase strengthened trial steel. Using iso-concentration surfaces with different concentration values, and subtracting the matrix contribution enabled us to reveal the core-shell structure of the transient precipitates between MX and Z-phase. It was shown that Z-phase forms by diffusion of Cr into NbN upon ageing, and Z-phase has a composition corresponding to Cr1+xNb1-xN with x=0.08.